British tourist killed in Turkish hot air balloon crash was leading space scientist

A British space scientist was killed yesterday when a hot air balloon sightseeing trip turned to disaster.

Nine other Britons were also injured when the balloon suddenly plummeted 150ft to the ground in Turkey.

Eyewitnesses said the craft dropped like a stone after it collided with another balloon.

However, investigators said they could not rule out winds or pilot error as a possible cause of the accident.

Dr Kevin Beurle, 53, was among holidaymakers who set off at 6.30am yesterday to watch the sun rise over a spectacular natural landscape, known as the 'fairy chimneys', in the central region of Cappadocia.

The balloon was being piloted by Briton Mike Miners, but just moments after its anchor ropes were released the balloon crashed back to earth.

Last night, it was unclear whether Dr Beurle died when the balloon hit the ground or whether he had jumped from it in panic.

Nevsehir regional governor Asim Hacimustafaolgu told a press conference: 'The balloon had reached a height of 50 metres before it crashed back to earth.

'The army police, local prosecutor and authorities are now investigating.'

Pilot Mr Miners, 29, took up ballooning after flying across Cappadocia as a child himself.

A former farm worker, he was in a private hospital last night. Of the 11 on board, ten were British and one was French.

Eight passengers were taken to the Nevsehir Sevki Atasagun Hospital, while one, described as seriously injured with multiple fractures, was transferred to the Kayseri University Hospital.